Viktoras: AKEL’s leadership is the last one that can lecture on political accountability (16:07)
A written statement was issued by Viktoras Papadopoulos, Director of the Press Office of the President of the Republic, in response to AKEL.
He stated:
“The General Secretary of AKEL, Stefanos Stefanou, a representative of the government that, in the public’s perception, came to be associated with the complete disregard for political responsibility—even in the face of findings from independent investigations into tragedies still fresh in the memory of our people—is now rushing to compete with DISY and ELAM in populism.
We leave them to the judgment of the public, while we remain focused on dealing with the consequences of the wildfire.
The Government has proven its willingness to respond to any parliamentary oversight and is not afraid of accountability.
AKEL’s leadership is the last one that can give lessons on political decency or responsibility.”
Peace Council calls on Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot volunteers to help restore nature (15:40)
The Pancyprian Peace Council has issued a call for cooperation to Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot volunteer organisations for the protection and restoration of the natural environment and our shared environmental heritage, following the devastating wildfire in mountainous Limassol.
In its announcement, the Council expresses sorrow for the loss of life, solidarity with those affected, and gratitude to all services contributing to the firefighting efforts.
It also highlights that the strong wave of solidarity from the Turkish Cypriot community
“proves once again that in times of hardship, our people unite and see Cyprus as an indivisible whole.”
“Bicommunal separation cannot be our future. We must continue engaging in joint actions for the protection and promotion of the natural environment.
We have a duty to bring environmental issues to the forefront of Cypriot society’s priorities, both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot,” the statement concludes.
Forest fire in Kato Moni brought fully under control (15:15)
A forest fire that broke out in the area of the Kato Moni community has been brought fully under control.
In a statement, the Department of Forests of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment reported that two fires broke out at 12:44 within the boundaries of the Kato Moni–Platanistasa road, in the areas of Vrysia and Kambos tou Tourkou.
According to the Department, the fires were detected by the Koroni fire lookout station and were fully contained by 13:10, after burning a total area of 4 decares (0.4 hectares) consisting of olive trees, low wild vegetation, and dry grass.
The firefighting operation involved 17 members of the Department of Forests with four fire engines, and two members of the Fire Service with one fire engine.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Department of antiquities: Damage to some ancient monuments from wildfire (14:55)
A number of ancient monuments have sustained damage from the recent wildfire, though many others remain unaffected, the Department of Antiquities announced.
It noted that from the very beginning, teams from the Department have been conducting on-site inspections in the mountainous Limassol area affected by the wildfire that broke out on 23 July, where there are 62 registered ancient monuments and archaeological sites.
As of midday Friday, 25 July, it was confirmed that some ancient monuments had suffered damage.
The monuments damaged by the fire—to be further assessed in due course, as conditions allow—include:
- In Kissousa: the watermill at the location Kapsalia
- In Potamiou: the medieval bridge at Eliomylos
- In Souni-Zanatzia:
- early Christian ruins at Chiliandris
- ruins of the Church of Agios Stylianos
- a Byzantine building complex at Aspri Moutti
- ruins of the Church of Agios Sialloumis
- ruins of two other churches
The Department also confirmed that the following monuments were not damaged:
- In Agios Ambrosios:
- Church of Agia Eleni,
- Church of Agios Ambrosios,
- Church of Agios Georgios
- In Agios Therapon:
- Eliomylos (olive press)
- In Alassa:
- domed medieval structure,
- archaeological sites at Paliotaverna and Pano Mantilaris
- In Arsos:
- Churches of Apostolos Philippos and Panagia Katholiki,
- Traditional architecture house
- In Vasa Koilaniou:
- Church of Agios Georgios,
- Rock-cut hermitages of the Apostle Timon and Saint Varnavas
- In Vouni:
- Church of Timios Prodromos,
- Two historic fountains
- In Erimi:
- Archaeological site at Laonin tou Porakou
- In Kantou:
- Churches of Agia Marina and Agia Napa,
- Watermills at Laspera and Pelentros
- In Kissousa:
- Church of Agios Sergios
- In Koilani:
- Churches of Agia Mavri, Monogenis, and Panagia Eleousa,
- Ruins of the Church of Agios Andronikos,
- Bridge over the Kryos Potamos,
- Watermills of Agia Mavri and Metaxas,
- Eliomylos (olive press)
- In Kato Kyvides:
- Church of Panagia
- In Pano Kyvides:
- Church of Agios Akindynos,
- Ruins of the Church of Agia Eirini
- In Lofou:
- One olive press,
- Monastery of Panagia Amasgou,
- Churches of Agios Georgios and Archangelos Michail
- In Omodos:
- Holy Monastery of Timios Stavros,
- Medieval wine press (linos),
- Traditional architecture houses
- In Pachna:
- Churches of the Holy Apostles, Agios Georgios, and Agios Stefanos,
- Ruins of the Church of Agios Epiphanios
- In Potamiou:
- Churches of Agia Marina and Agios Mnason
- In Silikou:
- Church of Panagia tis Syrkas
“Compensation for winemaking grapes is a drop in the ocean” (13:47)
Compensation for winemaking grapes is “a drop in the ocean” for winemakers, said Markos Zambartas, member of the Cyprus Winemakers’ Association, speaking to CNA ahead of the launch of the damage assessment and recording process by the Department of Agriculture for the devastating Limassol wildfire.
He also noted that the Association will consider whether it needs to carry out its own independent assessment of vineyard damage.
As explained to CNA by Savvas Chatzimichael, Head of the Risk Management Division, compensation for crops affected by natural disasters applies to the grapes themselves—not the processed product, wine. Zambartas emphasised that if the compensation is based on the value of the grapes, “it will be a drop in the ocean”.
He added that the Association will hold internal discussions on whether to proceed with separate damage assessments, although he acknowledged these are unlikely to be taken into account in the official compensation calculation.
Asked about the extent of the blow suffered by winemakers in Limassol’s wine villages, Zambartas said this year’s grape production has been completely lost, and next year’s may also be limited.
As for wine production, he said wineries may operate at reduced capacity, although there is the possibility of using grapes from other areas to cover some of the losses. However, he noted that specialty wines from specific regions, which usually command higher sale prices, will be more heavily affected.
Asked about the scale of damage to vineyards, Zambartas explained that some roots have completely dried out, while others were only peripherally affected, as the vines are currently green and fruit-bearing, making them less flammable. However, he pointed out that the increased soil temperature from prolonged fire exposure resulted in the loss of various micro-organisms essential to viticulture.
Referring to the Zambartas Winery in Agios Ambrosios, Limassol, he stated that some of its vineyards were affected, and that the winery itself was saved at the last minute thanks to the staff’s efforts. He strongly criticised the complete absence of the Fire Service, despite informing them that people were inside the winery.
Foreign Ministry post (12:47)
Slovakia, Italy, and Serbia have expressed their willingness to send firefighting assistance to help combat the wildfires in the Limassol district.
In a post on platform X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its “heartfelt gratitude to Slovakia, Italy, and Serbia for their demonstrated willingness and generous offers to send firefighting aid to help us tackle the fires that are devastating the Limassol area.”
“The spirit of cooperation and compassion are both commendable and deeply appreciated during this time of crisis,” it noted.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to 🇸🇰Slovakia, 🇮🇹 Italy, and 🇷🇸 Serbia for their demonstrated willingness and generous offers of sending firefighting assistance to help us combat the wildfires that are devastating the Limassol region.
— Cyprus MFA (@CyprusMFA) July 25, 2025
This spirit of cooperation…
Provision of care continues at First Aid stations (12:18)
The First Aid Stations, set up to provide care for those affected by the wildfires, continue to operate today, Friday, according to a statement to CNA by the spokesperson of the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY), Charalambos Charilaou. He also noted that the organisation remains “on alert”, despite the fact that conditions now appear to have improved.
Speaking to the Agency, Mr Charilaou said there is still attendance at the Stations, adding that OKYPY is ready to adjust its plans accordingly.
“We continue to operate the Health Centres in the area so that, if needed, we are able to provide assistance,” he said.
He also noted that ambulance access has now been restored in the affected areas and that assistance will be provided wherever necessary.
As he mentioned, yesterday two ambulances went to the community of Mallia and provided assistance to 12 people who were experiencing health problems.
Meanwhile, according to Mr Charilaou, seven people are still hospitalised — three at Limassol General Hospital, two with burns at Nicosia General Hospital, and two at Troodos Hospital.
Regarding the two individuals hospitalised with extensive burns in serious condition at the Nicosia Burns Clinic, Mr Charilaou said that their condition “remains serious, but they are no longer in danger.”
